Seven months after his passing,
blues guitarist Johnny Winter finally claimed the one thing that eluded him
during his 55-year career: a Grammy Award.

Last month's honor might've been
unexpected by the masses, but Winter, 70, knew his 2014 album "Step Back" was
special.

His close friend, collaborator and
producer Paul Nelson said, "Behind the scenes, when we were in studio listening
to the mixes and I played them for him, he leaned over and whispered in my ear,
'If you and I don't get a Grammy for this, they're nuts!' "

Sure enough, the Recording Academy
selected Winter for the award, which Nelson claimed on behalf of his mentor.

"It was pride; there was sorrow;
it was bittersweet," Nelson said of the ceremony. "Johnny and I worked really
hard on the record - and it wasn't only the record, it was the backstory: his
comeback; his getting better; reclaiming his legendary status. So there was a lot
involved.

"I went up to receive the award.
And, you know, you say you're not going to break up; you're just going to be
concise and mention everybody and say all the right stuff. But the minute I
held it ... and I thought about all that it took to get to that point ... and that
he wasn't around anymore ... I broke up."

Life was far from easy for Winter,
who hailed from Beaumont, Texas, and was born with albinism and vision
impairments. He was subject to bullying in school and often fantasized of
making a name for himself within a genre - blues - that wouldn't necessarily
accept him with open arms.

Nonetheless, Winter persevered. At
15, he was performing in clubs. Just
nine years later, Rolling Stone was writing of his guitar prowess. The
following year, Winter performed at Woodstock. He filled venues and performed
with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame artists throughout the '70s.

In later years, Winter would
battle health issues - some of which stemmed from the combination of drinking,
smoking and pain medications. At the time of his death last July, however,
Winter appeared to be in good shape. He was touring and planning to record more
albums.

"He was really happy about all the
stuff that was coming out," Nelson said.

"Step Back" is an album that
features an impressive list of collaborators, including Eric Clapton, Joe
Bonamassa, Billy Gibbons and Joe Perry.

"This one had a little more rock
edge to it," Nelson said. "It had even more energy to it. The guests that came
in ... paid strict attention to all the little idiosyncrasies of the sounds and
techniques."

"When people really listen, they
go, 'Wow, there was a lot of thought - the detail.' And I'm proud of that,"
Nelson said. "And he was, too. He knew. We were slated to do two more (albums),
so who knows what would happen?"

Paul Nelson (Photo by Michael-Weintro)

Nelson took a unique approach to
"Step Back."

"Once John picked the songs, then
I knew which artist I wanted to fit best for those songs," he said. "And I did
something different. I'm not a big fan of 'friend albums.' ... I didn't want it
to look like it was contrived or on purpose.

"So, a lot of times what
(producers will) do is - when you have this type of record - you figure out the
artist you want, and then they are offered, 'OK, so and so is putting out an
album, and here's a choice of all 13 songs for you to pick from to be part of
this great event.' And nine times out 10 - I don't know why - but the artists
always pick the song that doesn't fit them. At all. Either they want to try
something new, or they like this, or whatever.

"I said (to the production team),
'No, no, no, no. You know the songs. I know which artist would sound best for
each track. We'll contact them, we tell them, "We want you on Johnny's record.
You will be playing this song." Don't leave it up to chance. Let's pick the
songs that we know best fit that, so that the whole album benefits.' "

Nelson's plan worked.

"These guys just fit. ... Every day
in the studio was like getting a present," he said.

And Winter?

"John got his vocals in one take -
no edits," Nelson said. "That's how strong he was. I'm like, 'Oh, my God.' Cuz
he knew the material. He breathed this stuff."

The album was wrapped and ready when
Winter died. It was released two months later. Nelson was concerned some people
would think the timing was suspicious. Fortunately, "It was accepted. All his
fans of the past were appreciative of how strong this was," Nelson said. "They
all knew the backstory."

Winter is one of Rolling Stone
magazine's 100 greatest guitarists of all time, but Nelson said his influence is
greater than lists and awards.

"No (collaborator) said 'no,' " he
said. "One of the comments - Joe Perry (said,) 'Paul, this is a huge honor.' I
said, 'Yes, it's an honor for all of us.' He goes, 'No, you don't understand. I
wouldn't have picked up the guitar if it wasn't for Johnny.' That was the kind
of comments.

"They all knew that this guy was
the first guy they learned from - even more than Hendrix."

"Everyone loves being part of a
comeback, especially with somebody that influenced them so much," Nelson added.
"And they want to help. And they did."

The Grammy, Nelson said, was the "sprinkles
and cherry on top."

"Johnny never got one for
himself," Nelson said. "He got it for working with Muddy (Waters); for working
with this one and that one. He got nominated a lot, but he never got his own
for his own album. That's why this was so special. And that's why I was so
proud to be part of getting it for him."

Nelson said he's pleased "Step
Back" has connected Winter to the world.

"He left us on such a high note.
And this was a crowning achievement for this part of his life," Nelson said. "I
mean, he had reached heights before, but this was a whole new resurgence that
actually led to an album that charted higher (on) Billboard than any of his
previous albums.

"I was proud to be a part of that.
I was proud that he had me produce it and play on it. I was proud to be his
friend."